29 Italian Recipes To Keep Dinner Easy, Quick, And Flavorful

Ever feel like bringing a bit of Italy into the kitchen, but short on time? No sweat! Got 29 Italian picks that keep things easy, quick, and bursting with flavor. It’s like taking a mini trip to Italy, without needing a plane ticket or hours in the kitchen. Just pure, simple cooking to light up dinner time.

Cheese Ravioli

For those evenings when you want to keep dinner both easy and cheesy, Cheese Ravioli has got your back. Each ravioli pocket is a cheesy wonder, making sure every bite is as comforting as the last. And let’s not forget about the flexibility with the sauces – red, white, pesto, you name it. It’s a guaranteed hit among anyone looking for a quick Italian fix.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Luxurious doesn’t have to mean complicated with Million Dollar Spaghetti. This dish packs an indulgent punch without the need for a gourmet chef. Its cheesy, meaty richness is a hit for those who treasure their pasta and expect a little more from it. It’s the sort of meal that feels like a treat without all the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Caprese Appetizer

Planning a meal and need something fresh to kick things off? Caprese Appetizer hits just the right spot with its simplicity and fresh flavors. Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all drizzled with olive oil, become an instant classic on your table. It’s straightforward, yet unquestionably Italian, promising to prep your palate for what’s next.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Best Lemon Pasta

When you’re in a pinch for time but still want something that screams Italian, Best Lemon Pasta is your go-to. It’s light, it’s easy to whip up, and man, does it pack a citrusy punch. You’ll love how it pairs with just about anything from chicken to seafood. Honestly, it’s like bringing a bit of Italy to your dinner table without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Easy Caprese Salad

Easy Caprese Salad is what you turn to when you need something undoubtedly Italian without spending hours in the kitchen. Simple ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, come together for a fresh burst of flavor. Just drizzle with olive oil and balsamic, and there you have it. It’s a foolproof side or light main that promises to keep things breezy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Marry Me Chicken Soup

On those nights when you crave coziness, Marry Me Chicken Soup is your soul’s answer. It’s comforting, it’s loaded with flavor, and it’s surprisingly easy to put together. You’ll find every spoonful an embrace of creamy goodness and hearty warmth. It’s the kind of soup that might just make someone pop the question.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Garlic Aioli

In need of a little something extra to kick your dishes up a notch? Garlic Aioli is a game-changer. This simple yet powerful condiment adds a creamy, garlicky touch to sandwiches, veggies, or whatever needs a bit of oomph. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy, proving that sometimes, it’s the little things that count.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera throws a veggie party on your plate without a fuss. It’s bright, it’s fresh, and you can whip it up in a snap. Bursting with color, it’s like a celebration of all things veggies and pasta. And come on, who doesn’t like a meal that looks as cheerful as it tastes?
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Neapolitan Pizza

Crank the oven for some Neapolitan Pizza and feel like a pizza pro. Thin, blistered crust with simple, fresh toppings creates an explosion of flavor in your mouth. It’s proof that good things don’t need to be complicated. Whip up a slice or two and feel like you’ve been whisked away to Naples.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Garlic Knots

Garlic Knots are here to show that great things indeed come in small packages. Smothered in garlic butter and oh-so-addictive, they’re the perfect starter or side. Whether you’re setting them out at parties or popping them in the oven as dinner’s finishing up, they’re a crowd-pleaser. Plus, their aroma alone is enough to gather everyone around the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Italian Pasta with Salami

Feeling peckish? Reach for some Italian Pasta with Salami and your hunger is sorted. It’s quick to cook and packed with the sort of hearty flavors that keep you coming back for more. And hey, who doesn’t enjoy those bites of salami in their pasta? It’s like a flavor party in your mouth with every forkful.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Italian Sliders

Italian Sliders make any dinner fun and hands-on. They’re small in size but big on Italian flavors, perfect for when everyone’s craving different meats or toppings. Easy to assemble and even easier to devour, these little guys will have everyone reaching for seconds. They’re the mini sandwiches that pack a mighty punch and keep the whole family happy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If there was ever a dish to impress, it’s Marry Me Chicken Pasta. With a name that makes you smirk, it backs it up with a flavor that’s all things Italian and irresistible. The pasta just ties together that rich, creamy sauce and succulent chicken into a meal you’ll want over and over. Dinner plans might just turn into a proposal with this one on the menu!
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Mushroom Pizza

Break out the pizza stone and get ready for Mushroom Pizza magic. It’s an Italian staple that respects the mighty mushroom, giving it center stage atop a crispy crust. Whether you go white sauce or classic tomato, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. And hey, who doesn’t love pizza night?
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Cacio e Pepe

You can never go wrong with Cacio e Pepe if you’re after something traditional yet straightforward. Pepper and cheese are the heartbeats of this dish, creating a creamy and slightly sharp taste. It’s the comfort food you didn’t know you needed after a long day. Plus, it comes together so quickly you’ll hardly believe it’s homemade.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Italian Dressing

Whip up some Italian Dressing and watch any salad come to life. It’s got that classic herby punch and tangy kick that you just can’t get enough of. Making it at home means you know exactly what’s in it – nothing beats that fresh, homemade taste. It’s versatile too; drizzle it on greens, use it as a marinade, or give your veggies a zippy bath.
Get the Recipe: Italian Dressing

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

No dinner dilemma can’t be solved by a plateful of Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta. With tender chicken and sweet corn, all tossed in a creamy sauce, it’s like happiness in a bowl. Not only does it make for a hearty meal, but it’s also one of those dishes that manage to be both flavorful and quick to prepare. Who said you can’t have it all?
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Garlic Bread

Look no further than Garlic Bread when you’re hunting down the perfect side. Its crispy edges and soft, garlicky center create the perfect bite. Ideal for mopping up pasta sauces or as a standalone treat, its preparation is quick and its appeal undeniable. Honestly, no Italian meal feels complete without it.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Homemade Lasagna

Nothing says home-cooked Italian like a slice of Homemade Lasagna. Layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce meld together into something truly special. It’s the sort of meal that fills the room with anticipation as it bakes. Sure, it might require a bit more time, but the flavors and memories it creates are absolutely worth it.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom Risotto is pure comfort in a bowl. Stirring the pot is almost meditative and the result is oh so worth it. It’s the kind of dish that makes an ordinary evening special. And who can resist those tender grains of rice in a creamy mushroom sauce?
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Minestrone Soup

Stir up a pot of Minestrone Soup and watch as the kitchen fills with its inviting aroma. This classic is chock-full of veggies and always hits the spot whether you’re needing something warm or just love soup. It’s not just a meal; it’s a bowl of Italian comfort everyone will want to tuck into. Plus, it’s probably one of the easiest ways to get your greens in!
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Morel Mushroom Pasta

Fancy something a bit special? Morel Mushroom Pasta has a luxurious vibe without any of the difficulty. The unique flavors of morel mushrooms turn an ordinary pasta dish into something to chat about. It’s easy, quick, and leaves you with that feeling of having eaten at a fancy restaurant right at home.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta

Pizza Salad

Flip the script on pizza night with a fresh and crunchy Pizza Salad. It might sound out of the box, but it’s a hit when you’re after something lighter. Picture your favorite pizza flavors, but in a leafy, crunchy form. It’s quite the twist and just as easy to throw together as it is intriguing.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Pasta Carbonara

Want something rich and eggy? Pasta Carbonara is ready to answer that crave. No cream, just the good old traditional way for a truly irresistible finish. Every twirl of spaghetti is a promise of joy, with crispy bits of pork setting it all off.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Ooni Pizza Dough

Got an Ooni oven? Then Ooni Pizza Dough is your ticket to pizzeria-level pies at home. Even without any fancy skills, you can achieve that dreamy, crispy crust. Just add your favorite toppings, and blast it in the Ooni for perfect pizza in minutes. Homemade pizza nights just got a major upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Ooni Pizza Dough

Penne Alla Vodka

Bring on the Penne Alla Vodka and watch everyone’s eyes light up. There’s just something about that rosy sauce that makes people swoon. It’s pasta that comes with a bit of an edge, thanks to a splash of vodka. Relish the creamy texture, subtle tang, and how quickly it all comes together.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Mushroom Pasta

Make it a fungi feast tonight with some stellar Mushroom Pasta. It’s simple really: mushrooms, pasta, and a hint of garlic and you’re in for a treat. It’s the meal you turn to when you’ve got little time but still want something that feels a bit gourmet. Not to mention, it’s perfect for those meatless Mondays or any day really.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma delivers that eggplant charm in a classic tomato sauce. It’s a dish with roots and a full-bodied flavor that doesn’t play around. Whip it up, settle in, and feel that Sicilian essence with each bite. And it’s got a simplicity that’s hard to beat – real weekday hero material.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Antipasto Salad

For a kick-off to your meal, Antipasto Salad is where the party starts. It’s a mix of tangy, crunchy, and protein-packed bits that never gets old. Plus, it’s the kind of dish you can make your own, adding in whatever catches your fancy. Consider this your ticket to an Italian appetizer that never fails to please.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad